sat steadily in his wheelchair, gently pushed from behind by Haina. The feeling was comfortable—especially since Aiwass actually had no problems with his legs. He even closed his eyes, leisurely basking in the early winter sun. For a moment, he had the illusion that he had grown old and retired, being taken for a walk by his daughter.
Wrapped in a black cloak, Aiwass only showed half of his chin, quietly observing his surroundings. He noticed an interesting phenomenon: passersby near Moriarty Manor showed no fear when they saw Haina in her Inspector uniform. They merely glanced and continued on.
But as they left the White Queen District and moved into the Lloyd District, the atmosphere changed. The gazes toward Haina became fearful. People deliberately avoided her path; some even stopped ten meters away to make room.
When they entered a fresh market, a terrifying solemnity spread through the crowd. When residents realized an Inspector was pushing an important figure, the crowded populace automatically parted like Moses parting the Red Sea. No one dared block the way or speak loudly.
"Did you see that, Haina?" Aiwass leaned back, speaking softly. "People are very afraid of you."
"I don't understand why," Haina replied, her voice unwavering. "Those who haven't committed crimes have no reason to fear us. Everyone knows rules are vital in Avalon. They just need to follow them. I don't know what they are afraid of." She straightened her chest, her gaze burning like fire.
"I thought you would sympathize with them," Aiwass noted.
"Why?" Haina retorted. "Did I do something wrong? Or is it just because of my humble background?" She seemed sensitive about her past. "My parents taught me to be upright—to follow the law, be loyal to the Queen, and sincere to my teachers. I have never done even a single small wrong thing."
Her voice filled with confidence. "I wholeheartedly obey my superior now; but if one day I am higher than him, then he must likewise obey me. This is the Path of Authority. The rules of Avalon."
Aiwass understood. This was Haina's anchor. She was born for the Path of Authority because extraordinary professions in this world are projections of "thought" and "personality." To enter a Path, one must fully resolve to follow it.
"Not easy, Senior," Aiwass's mouth curved upwards. "I didn't expect you to have such ambition. Becoming your superior's superior... that is not an ideal belonging strictly to the Path of Authority."
"Wh-what?" Haina paused, her hand on the wheelchair faltering.
"You didn't realize it?" Aiwass whispered seductively. "But it's normal. No one can avoid deviating from their Path. Every teenager is influenced by the Path of Love—savagery, the urge to procreate. Similarly, the Path of Wisdom is characterized by utilitarianism, and if you sacrifice for others, you've entered the Path of Dedication under the Candle Holder. The nine great paths are unavoidable modes of human thinking."
"If that's the case, what's so scary about deviating? Have you thought about this, Senior? Why does Avalon follow the Path of Authority?"
Haina felt a rush of excitement and fear. "Please speak quieter, Mr. Aiwass—" she whispered. She was terrified of heresy, yet her heart was itchy with curiosity. She subconsciously used the respectful "Mr." for a boy four years younger than her.
But Aiwass simply smiled and closed his mouth, chuckling lowly.
The itching in Haina's ears vanished, replaced by frustration. Why did you stop halfway?! She didn't dare admit she wanted to hear it—that would be disloyal.
"When the time is right, I will tell you," Aiwass said. "After we resolve this matter and meet again at school. A secret like this isn't for the street."
"Alright!" Haina said confidently. "I will help you apprehend the culprit. Then I want to hear the rest of the story!"
Unbeknownst to her, she no longer cared if she had strayed from her Path. More importantly, her motivation had shifted from "the Bureau's orders" to "helping Aiwass." She was completely unaware of the change.